Taking nitrate supplements increases cGMP in the blood, which is a sign that nitric oxide is being produced and working in the body.
Scientific Claim
Inorganic nitrate supplementation elevates plasma cGMP concentration, which is a sensitive indicator of nitric oxide bioactivity, with significant increases observed at 3 and 24 hours after 24 mmol KNO3 administration.
Original Statement
“Plasma cGMP concentration was significantly raised compared with baseline at 3 and 24 hours after ingestion of KNO3 capsules (24 mmol; Figure 1E).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
This is a direct measurement from a controlled study showing statistically significant increases in cGMP after nitrate supplementation. The language 'elevates' appropriately describes the observed effect.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation Lowers Blood Pressure in Humans: Role for Nitrite-Derived NO